UGANDA: Bishop Warns Catechists Against Excessive Consumption of Alcohol
Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese
Fr Isaac Ojok
The Bishop of Lira Diocese in Northern Uganda Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok has reiterated the warning against excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks by catechists and other pastoral agents.
Speaking on the occasion of the creation of Our Lady of Holy Rosary Anyeke Catholic parish in Oyam district, the bishop noted with concern that excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is causing harm to pastoral ministry in the church.
The bishop added that drinking excessively is not only a problem to pastoral ministry but that it affects different kinds of work a person can embrace to transform his or her life. He noted that taking consumption of alcohol as a priority in life also affects family life especially peaceful coexistence between parents, children and those around them.
Recently, during the visit of the Bishop to Our Lady Queen of Peace Orum Parish in Otuke district, the Parish council that included local, civil authorities came up with many resolutions on a number of issues and top among the resolutions is the concern on the high rate of drinking alcohol in Lango which is draining resources like money and destroying the body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. As a result, the parish pastoral council has resolved that no catechist should be offered beer or any other alcoholic substance by any Christian in Orum Parish.
The resolution comes as a response to the deteriorating situation of catechists, other pastoral agents, and some Christians whose lives have been and destroyed by their drinking habit in the area.
It is further aimed at ensuring that people are helped to create time, embrace productive activities to pave way for development and growth in the families.
The Prelate extended his warning also to catechists who were also installed as Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist to keep focused, concentrate in their work, learn from their priests and listen to them.
During the same function, members of Anyeke Parish Pastoral Council pledged to serve the new parish diligently for holistic growth as the bishop reminded them that their work is to ensure there is proper planning for strategic development of the parish in unity with entire church.
“You are the protagonists of development in the parish”, said Bishop Sanctus who concluded by invoking God’s abundant blessings upon the leaders of Anyeke Catholic Parish in a move to succeed in the work entrusted to them.
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